Former Leeds manager Simon Grayson has said that the “outstanding” Kalvin Phillips is his standout Leeds player of the season.
Grayson was talking on the Noel Whelan Show on Friday night on BBC Radio Leeds (6pm) and said that he thinks Phillips has kept on improving at Leeds.
“A lot of people would like me to say the more attacking players, the more skilful players,” Grayson said when asked by Whelan who his standout was, “but for me Kalvin Phillips has been outstanding.
“From playing in midfield, to a holding midfield, to a back three and a back four. Over the past few years I’ve thought he’s been a brilliant player with an outstanding attitude, knows the club, knows the city and is keeping improving.
“He’s responded from last season and showed what he can do. He’s been outstanding for Leeds this season.”
OPINION
Phillips has been linked with Premier League clubs and that’s no surprise after his performances for Leeds this season. Wherever he plays he does it with a level of professionalism that shows he’s got a fantastic career in front of him. We’d imagine that the Premier League club rumours are going to re-surface in January but we can’t see any way that Leeds will let go of any of their key players in January, let along Phillips, who has been arguably their best and most consistent performer this season. He’s been utilised in centre-back in recent games, with Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi out injured and although he’s done a good job, he’s far better in the defensive midfield slot. He may well go back there in the game against Aston Villa on Sunday with Luke Ayling back from injury. Ayling, normally a right-back, could be used in the centre of defence, which would free up Phillips to move into the midfield.